Courses

101, 102 Beginning Russian

Content: Fundamentals of Russian language through speaking, listening, reading, writing. Basic vocabulary and grammatical structures practiced orally and in writing. Correct pronunciation and usage in practical conversation and simple composition. Aspects of traditional and contemporary Russian culture and life.

Prerequisite: None. Must be taken in sequence.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits each.

201 Intermediate Russian

Content: Active language skills and review and continuation of grammar. Short stories read and discussed. Writing of compositions using new vocabulary and structure. Traditional and contemporary Russian culture.

Prerequisite: Russian 102 or equivalent.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

202 Intermediate Russian

Content: Active language skills and review and continuation of grammar. Reading of short stories for class discussion and compositions to implement new vocabulary and structure. Traditional and contemporary Russian culture introduced in context of language learning.

Prerequisite: Russian 201.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

230 Introduction to Russian Literature in Translation

Content: Introduction to Russian literature’s greatest writers and thinkers including Pushkin, Gogol, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Bunin, Pasternak, Bulgakov, Akhmatova. Close textual analysis; literary structures and forms; thematic content. Relationship between style and structure. Themes, genres, historical context, social and ethical issues. Taught in English; no background in Russian language or literature required.

Prerequisite: None.

Taught: Alternate years, 4 semester credits. May be taken twice for credit if the topic is different.

251 Russian Conversation

Content: Practice in spoken Russian on selected topics. Development of speaking and listening proficiency by expanding vocabulary and building conversational skill through such activities as discussions, short presentations, interactive games, skits.

Prerequisite: Russian 201 or consent of instructor.

Taught: Annually, 2 semester credits. May be taken twice for credit, credit-no credit.

252 Russian Conversation

Content: Practice in spoken Russian on selected topics. Improving proficiency by expanding vocabulary and employing idioms and correct grammar. Topics based on current events and student interest.

Prerequisite: Russian 201 or consent of instructor.

Taught: Annually, 2 semester credits. May be taken twice for credit, credit-no credit.

290 Topics in Russian Literature and Culture in Translation

Content: Major aspects or periods of Russian literature and culture. Topics vary from year to year. Taught in English: no background in Russian language or literature required. Previous topics include 20th-century literature and film, fairy tales, women in literature and culture, contemporary society and culture, Russian laughter in literature and film.

Prerequisite: None.

Taught: Alternate years, 4 semester credits. With consent of instructor, may be taken twice for credit.

330 Readings and Conversation in Russian

Content: Development of reading and speaking skills at the postintermediate level. Introduction to the language of the Russian press. Learning reading techniques and strategies, expanding vocabulary, and improving ability to discuss social and cultural issues of contemporary society. Topics may include education, the arts, religion, crime, economy, ecology, gender roles, other social issues.

Prerequisite: Russian 202 or equivalent.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

351 Russian composition and Conversation

Content: Development of oral and written communication skills through readings, discussions, and compositions based on materials selected from Russian literature and culture. Emphasis on developing proficiency in spoken and written Russian with correct grammar, syntax, and style.

Prerequisite: Russian 202 or equivalent.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.

420 Advanced Readings in Russian: Fiction and NonFiction

Content: Advanced readings in Russian fiction and nonfiction to familiarize students with a range of literary and journalistic styles. Readings include short works by Russian authors and material from the contemporary mass media on Russian society and culture. Expansion of vocabulary and work on style and syntax in expository, critical, and creative writing exercises. Applied use of library and Russian Internet resources for research and translation projects. Content varies from year to year.

Prerequisite: Russian 351 or consent of instructor.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits. May be taken twice for credit.

444 Russian Practicum

Content: Independent work under faculty supervision on a project dealing with the Russian community. Advanced Russian language students may also lead beginning and intermediate students in discussions of Russian culture.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Taught: Each semester, 1-4 semester credits.

490 Honors Thesis

Content: Independent research project suitable for granting departmental honors. Details determined by student in conference with supervising faculty member.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Departmental approval.

Taught: Annually, 1-4 semester credits, credit-no credit.